All companies are trying to find out how to get the most out of organic search traffic. Yet, sometimes it just seems like no matter what you do, you’re not getting ranked any higher than page 10 or 15 on a google search. You read around a little bit and find out about SEO, and just wonder what it is and why your Philadelphia skateboard shop is on page 15 of a search for philadelphia skateboard shop.

Why? Well there are about 4 main things that you need to be optimized, and there’s a good chance you don’t have any of them working for you. So here’s a brief list of how to help get your site search-ready for some good old DIY Search Engine Optimization. Of course this won’t jump you up to number one, but it should get you off on a good foot and maybe show you how important organic search really is.

Step 1. Check your tags.

No, not on your car, but your meta-tags. You know that think at the top that probably says UNTITLED right now. That should say exactly what your site and page is about. Use keywords. Are you using anchor text the right way? Instead of using a click (here) with the “here” linked up, put a phrase to click on.

Step 2. Know your keywords.

If you’re focusing on selling skateboards online, then by god, talk about skateboards online. You need to know what keywords your customers are looking for and get them in the mix. But don’t just throw random words together, it has to make sense still. Just google what you want to be number one in and take a look at their content and keyword use. It’s not cheating, it’s learning!

Step 3. Increase the content.

No one gets up to number one by having a page with 10 words on it. In Search Engine Optimization, content is king these days, so start writing. Take the time to write some really good content, and lots of it. In-depth descriptions of your products, featured posts related to your site and industry. If you are indeed selling those skateboards, why not post a blog on some of the newer brands that are coming out that you happen to stock? Just more content to put on your site chock full of relevant keywords. That’s one of the core ideas of SEO.

Step 4. Get those backlinks

There are so many top sites that can give you great one-way backlinks. You should certainly take advantage of what the the social bookmarking sites and public blogging sites have to offer. Also, contributing content to sites in your industry is a great way to begin building up your search engine popularity.

Hopefully this can help you get off to a good start on at least understanding how to optimize your site for search engines. If you are really trying to make an impact, hiring a professional SEO consultant wouldn’t be a bad idea, but if you’re on a shoestring budget just trying to get off the ground, these tips can certainly help you out. Good luck on your new adventure in trying to navigate the wonderful world of SEO.

The next installment will be some tips on how to start getting involved in DIY social media marketing for your small business.